A Lebanese blog reading politics, books and civil society events

The Double Standards in March 14 visit to Gaza

The surprising visit of March 14 members of parliament to Gaza this Tuesday seemed more shocking than any other event. It raised many a question about the changes taking place in the policies of this coalition, with the main question being: what is still left of March 14 with such duality of standards and loss of clear vision?

March 14 delegation with Hamas PM I.Haniyeh

Isn’t it March 14, which is struggling against Hezbollah’s state within the state? Isn’t Hamas’s government itself an assault on the sovereignty of the Palestinian administration; i.e. a state within the state? Isn’t it March 14 that accused Hezbollah in May 7th of copying the Hamas scenario of Gaza coupe (thus condemning both Hezbollah and Hamas)? What makes Hamas now a proper host to visit and support? And why then march 14 still refuses to sit and discuss matters with Hezbollah in Lebanon when it is ready to shake hands with Hezbollah’s Palestinian version in Gaza.

Why does March 14 support Hamas in its battle with Israel praising the accomplishments of the Iranian backed militants when it is principally against the risky adventures of Iran in Lebanon manifested by Hezbollah’s resistance? What is the difference between Gaza 2012 and south Lebanon 2006? In what does resistance in Gaza differ from resistance in Lebanon? Why should the sole jurisdiction over arms be in the hands of the Army in Lebanon while Palestinian militants’ arms are hailed in Gaza? Is the Iranian weapon illegal in Lebanon and legal in Gaza? What would be the reaction of March 14 if tomorrow Hezbollah starts launching missiles on Tel-Aviv and a new battle starts on the southern front?

Such a spectacular visit would have been proper if paid to Ramallah to support Palestine’s legal representatives in their struggle to attain the status of a member in UN for their country. But to Gaza? What’s the point?

March 14 has to take itself seriously before asking others to do so. In this visit March 14 has turned its back to all its history and principals; which renders all its mottos and slogans on sovereignty, independence and illegitimacy of arms meaningless.